Vesper
Gin, vodka and a quinine aperitif wine, shaken. James Bond's own Martini, strong and lightly bitter.
- MethodShaken
- GlassCoupe
- IceNone (served up)
- Strengthabout 24.0% ABV
- BaseGin, Vodka
- Tastestrong, bitter
Recipe
| 45 ml 1½ oz | London dry gin |
| 15 ml ½ oz | Vodka |
| 7.5 ml ¼ oz | Quinquina aperitif wine (kina-style, white) |
Garnish. A large, thin slice of lemon peel, as the original asks.
Method
- Chill a deep coupe or cocktail glass.
- Shake the gin, vodka and aperitif wine hard with ice for about 10 seconds.
- Strain into the glass; a few ice crystals on top are expected.
- Twist the lemon peel over the drink and drop it in.
About the Vesper
The Vesper is a Martini made with both gin and vodka and a white quinine aperitif wine in place of vermouth, shaken rather than stirred. It is very strong, cold and clean, with a faint bitter-orange note from the aperitif. Shaking makes it slightly cloudy and a little lighter in texture.
History
Earliest record 1953: Ian Fleming, Casino Royale (novel)
Documented
The drink comes from Ian Fleming's first James Bond novel, Casino Royale (1953). Bond orders three measures of gin, one of vodka and half a measure of Kina Lillet, shaken until ice-cold, with a thin slice of lemon peel, and later names it after the character Vesper Lynd. Kina Lillet was reformulated in the 1980s and renamed, so modern versions use a more bitter quinquina to come close.
Legend and lore
Fleming's friend Ivar Bryce later said the drink was first mixed for them, a claim based on a dedication in his copy of the book. It is plausible but cannot be checked.
Variations
- Dry Martini. Gin and dry vermouth only, stirred.
- Corpse Reviver No. 2. Another drink built on a quinquina aperitif wine, with citrus and orange liqueur.
Bartender's notes
- Fleming's proportions (90, 30 and 15 ml) make a very large, strong drink; the recipe here keeps the ratio at a more sensible size.
- Use a bitter quinquina rather than a sweet blanc aperitif to stay close to the book.
